Jaffa Prepares Protest After Cleric Attacked, Demands Greater Municipal Role
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Jaffa to hold national protest on the 16th after cleric's attack.
- Activists demand greater municipal role in protecting residents.
- Legal action planned against assailant with human rights support.
- Community seeks official condemnation of the attack.
- Incident highlights broader concerns about attacks on local leaders.
Jaffa is preparing to host a national demonstration following an attack on Father Constantine Nassar, a prominent local cleric. The decision to protest was made at a meeting attended by community leaders and activists, including social worker Omar Siksik, who spoke on Radio Al-Shams. The demonstration is slated for the 16th of the month, prior to the upcoming elections, and will commence from the Orthodox Church in Jaffa. A smaller committee will coordinate with the head of the Follow-up Committee to secure necessary permits.
In addition to the protest, Siksik outlined two other courses of action. The first involves sending a letter to the President of Israel demanding condemnation of the assault on Father Nassar, as residents have not heard sufficient official denunciation. The second is a legal pursuit, with Father Nassar deciding to file a lawsuit against his assailant, supported by local and international human rights organizations.
Siksik stated that the incident has caused widespread anger, noting Father Nassar's good relations with the police and municipality, and his participation in various community events. He expressed a lack of confidence in the police to handle the situation, urging the municipality to take a more active role in protecting residents and utilizing its patrols. Siksik, with 45 years of experience in community-police relations, described the police's current treatment of residents as worse than in the past.
He further indicated that the attack on Father Nassar is not an isolated incident, citing previous assaults on other local leaders, including himself and members of the Islamic Council. Siksik believes these attacks target community symbols and leaders, sending a message about the community's ability to protect them. He affirmed the desire of the Jaffa community to live in peace, despite facing economic and social challenges, and mentioned ongoing Arab-Jewish initiatives aimed at fostering understanding and efforts to establish a Palestinian Heritage Center.
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